Celebrating Values Through Cinema at Russian Movie Night

by Anisha Pemjee - TDS

21 July 2025

This month’s Russian Movie Night was held under the theme of the “Day of Family, Love, and Fidelity,” a national observance in Russia celebrated on July 8. In his welcoming remarks, Russian Ambassador Roman Ambarov highlighted the importance of preserving traditional family values and the role of culture in promoting these ideals.

Two films were screened during the evening. The first, Ruslan and Ludmila: More Than a Fairy Tale, is an animated adaptation of Alexander Pushkin’s poem, aimed at younger viewers. The second, Son of a Rich (2019), a comedy that topped the Russian box office, follows the story of a wealthy father dealing with his entitled son.

To teach him a lesson, the father stages an elaborate deception, making his son believe he has been transported to a 19th-century village as a serf. The ruse results in a transformation: the son becomes more considerate and finds love, tying in with the evening’s central theme.

The Day of Family, Love, and Fidelity was first introduced in 2008 and honours Saints Peter and Fevronia, considered in Russian Orthodoxy as patrons of marriage and family. The day has become a widely recognised occasion to reflect on the values of love, loyalty, and mutual respect within the family.

Guests attending the event were treated to traditional Russian dishes, while Russian folk music played in the background, adding to the atmosphere. The event was organised by the Russian Embassy in Pretoria as part of its ongoing cultural outreach programme.

“It’s always interesting to see how values like family and love are explored in different cultures,” said one guest. “The film was entertaining, but also thought-provoking.”

Events such as Russian Movie Night continue to serve as a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue, offering local audiences a glimpse into Russian society and traditions, while fostering greater understanding through film.